STORM2K

So, for those of you celebrating, how's it going in your area?

I didn't get to go to the parades or anything last weekend because I was working. But this weekend was fun until last night. Everyone I was with was pretty exhausted early so we called it a night shortly before 10PM. I'm not sure why, but last night was PACKED on The Strand. I drove around for a half hour trying to find a parking place. We spent the largest part of the day up near the Seawall with some friends, so I didn't get to The Strand as early as I usually have. But I had no idea I would have such a bear of a time finding a place to park. I found out why this morning:
http://news.galvestondailynews.com/stor ... e9edd1f0c9

Brian Distefano, director of marketing for the Galveston Park Board of Trustees, has said state officials at one point counted 50,000 more cars than usual.

One we started walking around The Strand, we realized just how crowded it was. If this had been last year, after Katrina, I could have understood the crowds. But why are there so many here this year? Not complaining...just surprised. I mean, it was packed!! Friday night was busy, but freaking cold so the crowds weren't as bad. Last night, you literally had to push your way through to get around. And being 5'2", that's not too easy.

I ended up throwing most of my beads that I've collected over the past couple of years while we were at the Seawall yesterday. Of course, the really great ones I'm keeping for special occasions (yes, I mean what you think I mean).

I'm looking forward to Tuesday night. It will be mostly locals at the final parade and there will be crawfish!

Galvestons Mardi Gras has a great reputation. I'm glad you had fun and I have to agree with you about the cold.

I've been to a couple of parades here. We didn't ride this year. Some years you've just got to take a break. The krewe i usually ride with rode last night but i didn't go. I was the designated driver for my daughter and her friends. They went to a Mardi Gras ball where one of my daughters best friends was queen.

Sunday is quiet in lafayette parish. No parades in town. So i've spent my day cooking a double batch of gumbo, dips and other yummies for us to eat on Tuesday. My son lives on the parade route and we're all meeting up there for a fun day.

Time to bump this thread as it is quite nearly Fat Tuesday!!

I think I shall head over to Mobile and get involved in the festivities....if I can find a parking place. I'm going to set up in Bienville Square with my SO as its generally a good spot to catch a lot of the parade activity along Dauphin Street.

We'll have some gumbo and barter for some BBQ, and carry along a Louisville Slugger for the obnoxious drunk idiots. OK, maybe not....or, maybe so!!

What exactly is Mardi Gras anyway

I hear you guys talk about it every year. I just have no idea what it is

Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday in French. It's the day before Catholics celebrate Ash Wednesday, and is a huge celebration...which is mainly seen in southern cities like New Orleans, Galveston, Lafayette, and others.

AussieMark wrote:What exactly is Mardi Gras anyway

I hear you guys talk about it every year. I just have no idea what it is

Party time.

AussieMark wrote:What exactly is Mardi Gras anyway

I hear you guys talk about it every year. I just have no idea what it is

Here's a link, Mark:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras

Catholics love to party, or at least this one does!!

Am I going to be reading messages from drunk southerners in coming days

AussieMark wrote:Am I going to be reading messages from drunk southerners in coming days

Nah, their hands will be too busy "flashing" to type messages here on Storm2k.

I've already had three "King Cakes", and tonight I'm making jambalaya for the occasion.

...and I didn't get the "baby in the cake", so I'm home-free until next year.

Isn't Mardi Grass the same as Carnival/Carnaval?

Yarrah wrote:Isn't Mardi Grass the same as Carnival/Carnaval?

Carnival is celebrated in Brazil. They have parades and such down there.

Ow, my feet hurt. I caught some pretty beads and had a wonderful time.

LaPlaceFF wrote:

Yarrah wrote:Isn't Mardi Grass the same as Carnival/Carnaval?

Carnival is celebrated in Brazil. They have parades and such down there.

It's also celebrated here. But it seems it seems Mardi Gras is the last day of the Catholic carnival.

We had a GREAT Mardi Gras!!

It is the day before the Lenten season. Catholics are to not eat meat on Ash Wendsday and every Friday until Easter.

LaPlaceFF wrote:It is the day before the Lenten season. Catholics are to not eat meat on Ash Wendsday and every Friday until Easter.

Bring on the shrimp

i wish i could be there. if i had to pic anywhere in the world i would be in New Orleans during Mardi gras.

I was in New Orleans all weekend. Went to a bunch of parades downtown. Not as many people as past Mardi Gras but more than in 2006. Had a great time. My feet and legs still hurt from walking so much.....HAPPY MARDI GRAS!!!......MGC

Yarrah wrote:

LaPlaceFF wrote:

Yarrah wrote:Isn't Mardi Grass the same as Carnival/Carnaval?

Carnival is celebrated in Brazil. They have parades and such down there.

It's also celebrated here. But it seems it seems Mardi Gras is the last day of the Catholic carnival.

Yes. Different variations on the Carnival theme, but basically the same idea.